The last week was overwhelming. Not just in the normal sense of busyness, but also sadness. Some of life’s harshest strokes hit many people that I love.

The death of my friend, Aida, a wife and mom to five young children.

My friend’s ongoing battle for her baby’s health.

A family’s struggle with chronic illness.

Another friend’s discovery of breast cancer.

Friends’ marriage struggles.

The adult children of friends making destructive choices.

These burdens collectively weighed my heart down to a place where I could almost feel it. Breathing deep was hard, much less uttering thanks.

But this thanks-giving isn’t just for the good days, just like it isn’t only for the fourth Thursday of every November.

“I may feel disappointment and the despair may flood high but to give thanks is an action and rejoice is a verb and these are not mere pulsing emotions.” 
~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

If you are a follower of Jesus, thanks-giving is a part of your job description (and even if you aren’t, numerous studies have shown that giving thanks is really good for you).

Thank God in everything no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks, for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus the Revealer and Mediator of that will.

This kind of giving thanks takes faith. 

Faith that this life is about more than my happiness, security, and comfort.

Faith that God really is wise, powerful, and loving.

Faith that there is more going on than we can see. 

God, thank you for . . 

1. the time I had with Aida

2. a chance to speak to some really great moms

3. the delicious cake they sent home with me

4. Skype

5. Holley Gerth and her awesome skills

6. friends who help me (over and over again)

7. friends who send me words that feed my soul

8. friends who believe in big dreams

9. talking with Em on her way to work (it almost makes getting up at 5 am totally worth it)

10. Starbucks being open at 6 am and gingerbread lattes

11. time to talk with Jeff

12. early morning quiet

13. time to write

14. the way cold days make hot drinks twice as nice

Thirty Days of Thanks is a challenge I make to myself each year to countdown to the holidays by giving thanks every day . . thanks for one thing the first day, two the second, three the third, all the way to giving thanks for thirty things on the thirtieth day. If you’d like to read more about why I do it or want to join me, click here.